Tech & Gear Accessories The 6 Best Luggage Scales of 2023 By Jessica Macdonald Jessica Macdonald Facebook LinkedIn King's College London Jessica Macdonald lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 12/26/22 Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong Some people naturally pack light. And others? Well, they tend to struggle a bit more—and, let's face it, we could all use luggage tricks for a better flying experience. That's where a luggage scale can be put to good use. No, it won't help you pack, but weighing your luggage can help you avoid surprises at the airport and those hefty checked baggage fees. It might even help you narrow down your packing list. While selecting the right luggage scale depends on some personal factors, the best options have several features in common. Functional designs and backlit displays were top of mind, as well as overall ease of use. The majority of luggage scales are handheld devices, but we've included a more versatile pick. To help you find your ideal option, here are the best luggage scales. The Rundown Best Overall: Camry Digital Luggage Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Luggage Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Manual: Samsonite Manual Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Floor Scale: Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty Luggage Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Compact: Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Overpackers: Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Camry Digital Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon What We Like User-friendly Plenty of practical features What We Don't Like Strap could be longer Camry Digital Luggage Scale Review The silver Camry Luggage Scale ticks all the boxes for affordability, performance, and quality. It's made from engineering plastic with an easy-grip rubber paint handle and includes an adjustable black luggage strap made of tough nylon that can be attached to the handle of almost any suitcase. Accurate to within 0.1 pounds, the scale has a maximum weight capacity of 110 pounds. The large LCD screen is easy to read and includes a tare function that allows you to weigh an empty suitcase, re-set the display to zero, and then weigh the contents of your case individually. Our tester appreciated the simplicity of just two buttons and found that the manufacturer's accuracy claims to hold up. Other handy perks include a thermometer, which displays the room temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius. And with weight displayed in either kilograms or pounds, that's one less thing to worry about while traveling internationally. The scale has a low battery indicator and an overloading indicator, while an automatic two-minute shut-off system helps to save the included lithium battery. Our tester also loved that it was easy to change the battery. Simply pop the smaller chamber out from the back of the device, replace the batteries, and pop it back in. Weighing just 3.2 ounces, the luggage scale is light enough to add to your suitcase without making any noticeable difference. Price at time of publish: $17 Tripsavvy / Karen Tietjen Best Design EatSmart SmartGrip Digital Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Sleek design easily fits into pockets Long-lasting battery What We Don't Like Can be slow to display weight While most of the scales on this list are intended to be portable, the EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale features a unique handle-style design that takes the crown for compactness. The top of the handle features a backlit LCD display capable of measuring up to 110 pounds. It’s accurate to 0.1 pounds and runs off a single lithium battery (included with your purchase). A slimline button on the top converts from pounds to kilograms, while another button doubles as an on/off switch. If you forget to turn the scale off, it will power down automatically after a brief period of inactivity. When you’re finished weighing your bags, wrap the buckled strap around the handle and slide the scale into a side pocket, ready for use on your return journey. Price at time of publish: $20 Best Manual Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon View On Belk.com View On Boscovs.com What We Like Simple, intuitive design Includes integrated tape measure Affordable What We Don't Like More susceptible to user error No backlist display Those who prefer a more traditional approach to travel accessories will love the Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale. Reviewers are particularly enamored of this scale’s simplicity, reflected by its wallet-friendly price and rugged, no-nonsense design. It features a large, clearly readable face with a dial that shows both pounds and kilograms, a comfortable grip handle, and a stainless steel hook for attaching bags of all shapes and sizes. The capacity of this scale is slightly lower than the others on this list, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds. However, the built-in tape measure is a major bonus, allowing you to ensure that your suitcase complies with the dimension requirements for airline travel and the weight limit. The dial features two needles, one of which locks in place to give you a consistent measurement that’s as easy to read as it is accurate. Price at time of publish: $10 The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2023 Best Floor Scale Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Generous max weight Features both internal and external power sources What We Don't Like Will not perceive small changes in weight The Smart Weigh Heavy Duty Luggage Scale is ideal for those planning to weigh oversized luggage (or those who prefer not to hoist heavy luggage into the air). The wide platform scale measures 10.6 x 10.6 inches and is made from stainless steel. The LCD display is attached to an extendable cord for easy maneuvering around awkwardly sized luggage and can accurately measure in pounds or kilograms up to 440 pounds/200 kilograms. It features a tare function and automatic shut-off, while the scale runs off its internal battery or connects to an external power source via a USB cord. Price at time of publish: $50 Best Compact Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Easy-to-read screen Blinks to display final weight What We Don't Like Can be uncomfortable when weighing heavier loads Just under 5 ounces, this Etekcity luggage scale has a weight capacity of up to 110 pounds/50 kilograms. This compact, portable scale can fit nicely in your pocket or purse, so it's ready for use at any point. The digital luggage scale is packed with features, too. It automatically turns off after two minutes to save battery, a tare/memory function provides accurate measurements, and a temperature sensor helps protect your luggage from extreme weather. Though lightweight, the scale is made of ABS material durable enough to withstand any drops. Price at time of publish: $12 Best for Overpackers Travel Inspira Digital Luggage Scale Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Rubber handle is easier on hands Maintains display for review What We Don't Like Has precision/accuracy issues Travel Inspira's digital luggage scale is the perfect solution for those who tend to overpack when they travel. It has an overweight warning alert, so you won't ever have to face those dreaded checked baggage fees at the airport. With a weight capacity of up to 110 pounds/50 kilograms, the scale has a backlit LCD display, automatically turns off after 60 seconds, and a data lock function that lets you closely look at your bag's weight. Plus, the rubber handle offers comfort when weighing your luggage. There's also an included protective carrying case, so you won't ever lose this luggage scale. Price at time of publish: $12 The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed What to Look for in a Luggage Scale Backlit Display Backlit displays make it easier to read the values shown, including in settings without ambient light, like a nighttime safari. They can come with blue or green light; some will even illuminate in red to indicate an overweight load. While helpful, not having a backlit display is hardly a dealbreaker for the average traveler. However, it is a worthwhile feature if you have special vision requirements or find yourself packing in the dark often. Design These devices are made to give accurate readings and weigh as little as possible, so you can simply pack them in the last pocket. For that reason, luggage scales are generally small, sleek, and lightweight, or in other words, portable. Under that umbrella, you'll find handle-like shapes attached to a strap that loops around the bag handle or a loop in the case of a backpack. The Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale offers a deviation with its hook attachment. If you don't plan on adding souvenirs to your suitcase, the Smart Weigh Heavy Duty Floor Scale is a solid, easy-on-the-arms option. Ease of Use Arguably the most important factor in choosing a luggage scale is how easy it is to operate. Fewer buttons usually mean a more straightforward interface. Also, with handheld scales, some cushioning on the handle will allow you to lift heavy suitcases comfortably. And you may want to find the smallest scale possible to save on weight, but keep in mind a device large enough to be used with two hands will be easier for anyone to use, especially when it comes to those 50-pound checked bags. A large display screen (or face in the case of the Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale) with a backlight make for a versatile device that is easy to read. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best way to weigh luggage? A handheld scale is the best (most accurate) way to weigh luggage. There is the option to use a bathroom scale, subtracting your weight without the suitcase from your weight while holding the suitcase, but this method is not very accurate. Not to mention you'll have to find another scale to weigh your luggage again before the return flight if you decide to pack any souvenirs. With the price averaging between $10 to $20, a luggage scale is a solid tool for even the occasional traveler. How accurate are luggage scales? Luggage scales usually show readings out to 0.1 of a pound or 100 grams. If used properly, any decent digital scale should show values accurately up to about 1 kilogram or 2 pounds. Therefore, if you have a limit of 50 pounds, you should stop adding weight when your scale reads 48 pounds. Are digital scales better or not? The right scale depends on what you value and expect of the device. Digital scales have more bells and whistles, so if you are more technologically inclined, these scales are probably preferable. Analog-style scales, like the Samsonite Manual Scale, are simpler but bulkier. Either way, you won't sacrifice accuracy as long as you know how to use your scale. Why Trust TripSavvy Jessica MacDonald is a freelance writer specializing in travel, scuba diving, and wildlife conservation. She is a two-time winner of The Telegraph's Just Back travel writing competition and has written extensively for various magazines, travel agencies, websites, and PR companies. Jessica lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape province and has been TripSavvy's Africa Expert since 2016. The Best Lightweight Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 6 below.